Denmark has long been a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education, a vibrant culture, and excellent job opportunities. With its excellent public services, welcoming atmosphere, and a strong economy, Denmark presents an attractive option for students looking to not only study but also build a future.
For students from Bangladesh, the appeal of studying in Denmark is undeniable. But beyond the world-class education, the dream of securing permanent residency (PR) in Denmark after study is a significant milestone for many. The process of transitioning from a student visa to PR can be complex, but with careful planning, it is entirely achievable. This guide is designed to help you understand the steps involved in how to get PR in Denmark after study, with a particular focus on the unique needs and challenges faced by Bangladeshi students.
Whether you are studying in Denmark or planning to start soon, this article will walk you through the entire process, from securing your student visa to fulfilling the requirements for permanent residency. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Obtaining PR is not an automatic process, and students must meet certain criteria, such as securing a job, proving language skills, and integrating into the Danish society. It’s important to know that getting PR in Denmark after study is a goal that requires dedication and perseverance, but with the right guidance and strategy, it can certainly be achieved.
Step 1: Complete Your Education at a Recognized Institution
Your journey towards securing permanent residency in Denmark starts with completing your higher education at a recognized university or educational institution in the country. Denmark boasts numerous world-renowned universities, such as the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark, which offer high-quality programs across various fields including business, engineering, IT, and healthcare.
For Bangladeshi students, one of the biggest hurdles is often adjusting to a new education system. However, Denmark’s student-centered learning approach allows flexibility, and many universities offer extensive support systems to help students transition. Maintaining good academic standing is essential, as it opens doors to employment opportunities and strengthens your profile when applying for PR.
Let’s take the example of Shamim, a Bangladeshi student who completed his Master’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Copenhagen. Throughout his time in Denmark, Shamim took advantage of academic resources and networking events, which helped him land an internship with a leading Danish tech company. This early exposure played a key role in helping him secure a full-time job and eventually apply for PR after completing his studies.
Step 2: Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa
Once you graduate, the next step in the process of how to get PR in Denmark after study is to apply for a post-study work permit. Denmark offers an attractive post-study visa known as the Graduate Visa, which allows international students to stay in Denmark for up to two years after completing their studies. During this time, you can seek full-time employment in your field of study.
For Bangladeshi students, securing a job in Denmark can sometimes be challenging, particularly due to the language barrier. However, many international students find work in multinational companies, start-ups, or industries where English is the primary working language.
A great example is Mushfiq, a Bangladeshi student who graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Aalborg University. Initially, Mushfiq found it difficult to secure a job in Denmark due to limited Danish proficiency, but he managed to land a role at a Danish IT firm that communicated primarily in English. His job experience helped him integrate into the workforce and transition towards permanent residency after the required duration of employment.
Step 3: Secure Full-Time Employment
To qualify for permanent residency, it’s essential to secure stable, full-time employment. For Bangladeshi students, this can sometimes be the most challenging step, but it is also the most rewarding. Denmark’s job market is competitive, and while many students from Bangladesh face initial challenges, opportunities are available in industries such as IT, engineering, health, and business.
Once employed, you will need to prove that you have been working for a minimum period, typically three to four years, to be eligible for PR. The type of job you have, along with your income level, plays a significant role in meeting the requirements for PR. Having an employer that supports your application and offers a contract that meets the Danish standards for employment is key.
Real-Life Challenge: Many Bangladeshi students find it difficult to get hired initially due to a lack of proficiency in the Danish language. However, Afsana, another Bangladeshi student who studied Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark, overcame this challenge by attending Danish language courses offered by her university. She then applied for jobs at international companies operating in Denmark, where Danish was not a requirement. Through persistence and networking, she eventually found a full-time position that allowed her to meet the employment requirement for PR.
Step 4: Meet the Danish Language Requirement
One of the most significant hurdles for international students, particularly for those from Bangladesh, is meeting the Danish language requirement for PR. Danish is the official language of Denmark, and while many Danes speak English fluently, proficiency in Danish is a requirement for permanent residency.
You must demonstrate that you have reached a minimum level of B1 proficiency in Danish, which is an intermediate level of fluency. Fortunately, there are free language courses offered by the Danish government for international students. It’s advisable to start learning Danish as early as possible to increase your chances of finding a job and meeting the language requirements for PR.
Tip for Bangladeshi Students: Take advantage of free language courses during your studies. Danish is challenging, but it opens doors to more job opportunities and helps you integrate into the local community.
Step 5: Show Proof of Social Integration
Another key requirement for obtaining PR is proving your integration into Danish society. Denmark places great importance on cultural integration, and applicants are expected to demonstrate involvement in Danish life through activities like volunteering, joining clubs, or participating in social events.
For international students from Bangladesh, this may seem like a daunting task. However, participating in social activities can be incredibly rewarding and will help you build connections that may lead to professional opportunities as well. Universities often host cultural exchange events, networking sessions, and volunteer opportunities that can help you integrate better into society.
Example: Farhana, a Bangladeshi graduate in Architecture, actively participated in various university-led social programs, including charity events and cultural exchange initiatives. This involvement allowed her to integrate more deeply into Danish society and strengthened her PR application.
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency
Once you’ve met all the requirements—completion of studies, work experience, Danish language proficiency, and social integration—you can apply for permanent residency. The application process involves submitting various documents, including proof of employment, evidence of social integration, and your language skills.
PR applications typically take between six to twelve months to process, and during this time, you must maintain legal residency status in Denmark. If approved, you will be granted permanent residency and can enjoy all the benefits that come with it, including the right to live, work, and access public services in Denmark.
Summary
Securing permanent residency in Denmark after completing your studies is entirely achievable for international students, including those from Bangladesh. The key is to excel academically, secure full-time employment, meet the language requirements, and integrate into the local culture. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can transition from a student visa to permanent residency, enabling you to build a long-term future in Denmark.
